Sunday, December 6, 2009
Results: Week 10
2) As for the actual carnage, we went an abysmal 5-9 to bring our 10 week total to a still respectable 80-52, or a .6.6 winning %. It wasn't al bad as we extended our winning ways with our Lock of The Week. Bringing that stat to 8-2 on the season. We will be back at it for week 11 next Saturday when 12 games will be played.
As always keep it here for all the latest!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Stevens Canned! Laviolette Hired! Good Move!

2) As for the decision, we're actually in agreement with Paul Holmgren/the Flyer management. Stevens clearly was not the right coach for this team. Yes, as many have reported/said Stevens is one of the brightest young hockey minds in the game, and we would be shocked if he's not back coaching another NHL team before next season commences, but after an initial elevation of the team from the dregs 3 seasons ago, the Flyers never propelled themselves to that 'next level. Yes, and we would agree with those who say the biggest problem the Flyers have (and have had forever since Bernie parent retired) is between the pipes, but if anyone has seen the Flyers play this season there clearly was something lacking. A fire if you will. This team SHOULD be among the elite in the East, if not the NHL, not fighting for their lives for a 8th spot.
3) As for the decision to replace Stevens with Peter Laviolette, we again are in firm agreement with the choice. In fact we'd venture to say this is as important to their potential success this season as the Pronger addition in the off season. In 'Lavy' the Flyers have a coach that has won. A guy who is every bit as emotional as his team SHOULD be. We think this is a match that is a perfect fit and we'd be shocked if the Flyers don't proceed to over take the rest of the conference and be fighting the Pittsburghs and Capitals for supremacy in the East. Yes, Ray Emory/goaltending remains a problem/issue, and as we projected in our preseason predictions would be their eventual downfall in the post season, it should NOT prevent this team from winning at least 75% of their regular season games from here to April.
Week 10 Picks!

Vancouver at Carolina: Canucks
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Not A Mis-Print?

2) The thing about the top 8 that struck us the most was the fact that there are 3 SE Division teams there and only two Atlantic division team currently in playoff position. We felt before the season that the Atlantic was the best division in the East. Regular readers may recall how we lambasted the SE division in late October, http://newfaux.blogspot.com/2009/10/south-least-division.html No shocker that the Washington Capitals are in the top 8, but surprisingly, the team we believed had the best chance of joining them the Carolina Hurricanes are the conferences worst team!
Monday, November 30, 2009
'Around The Horn'- First Edition

- Larry Brooks- NY Post
- Kevin Dupont - Boston Globe
- Bruce Garrioch - Ottawa Sun
- Dave Molinari - Pittsburgh Post gazette
- Steve Simmons- Toronto Sun
- James Mirtle- Toronto Globe
- Adrian Dater- Denver Post
2) The story this past week that got our interest was Larry Brooks' story concerning the shoot out. Or as we like to call the 'demonstration' that takes place AFTER the real game. We have been on record from the start against the silly way of determining the outcome of games. WE felt back when it was first instituted (after the last Bettman lockout) that based upon seeing the shoot out in minor league games that it was an anti climatic exercise after a good hockey game. Brooks apparently has not only come to that conclusion but gone a step further in saying that the silly way of deciding games is ruining the NHL. He mentions stats that show that the number of games going to the extra- extra session has been steadily climbing. Its risen to what it is now: An astounding 18% of ALL games are decided by this method!! Not hockey, but by a skills competition that has much to do with actual hockey as a home run contest does with a baseball game
3) It seems coaches (trying to keep the regulation losses to a minimum) have understandably instituted a conservative approach that has resulted in an amazing 27% of ALL games going to OT (where most end up in the SO). As most, including us, surmised years ago, coaches will adapt to the rules and in an attempt to keep their jobs try what means they can employ to minimize the damage, thus defensive first schemes that result in fewer and fewer games decided in 60 minutes. Not only are teams playing for regulation draws to get the guaranteed point, they do it more often late in the season, when playoff positions are on the line! So get ready, its gonna get worse! So in essence, when games are supposed to get more competitive, they actually get less competitive. Teams naturally do what the system encourages them to do: play for the guaranteed point, then take their chances during the brief overtime period that follows the real game.
4) So, what to do now? We can't see the NHL changing the shoot out. Its here to stay folks. In fact as we wrote 2 1/2 years ago don't be shocked to see it start to seep into consideration in the post season! http://newfaux.blogspot.com/2007/04/ot-nonsense.html In our opinion the number one flaw is that a victory in regulation is considered the same as a victory in overtime or shootout. That needs to change. Incentive to win in 60 minutes needs to be reclaimed. We'd prefer a 2 point system. You win in regulation you get 2, you win in the OT/SO, you get 1. You lose, you get ZERO regardless. That way no incentive to play for a 'tie' , and no gain for losing. Of course critics abound for that way of thinking so we'd be OK (although not enamoured) with the 3 point system. In that a regulation win would be elevated to a 3 point gain, and a OT/SO win 2 points. The loser point would remain unfortunately. At least that method incentivizes a team to win in regulation and the loser of an OT game comes away with something. One thing is clear, the current system is broken!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Week 9- Results
2) We will be back at the picks next Saturday when a whopping 14 games will be played. Also we are preparing a post about new Jersey. We should have it out later this week. As always keep it here for all the latest!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Weekly Picks- 9 Who Would Rick Pick?

1) Its week 9. So we figured we'd have (in spirit only) Rick Tochett make the picks for this week. So far this season we at fauxrumors are an impressive 66-39 for a .629 winning %.
NY Islanders at New Jersey: Devils
Carolina at Buffalo: Sabres (Lock of The Week)
Washington at Montreal: Capitals
Philadelphia at Atlanta: Flyers
Calgary at Columbus: Blue Jackets
NY Rangers at Pittsburgh: Penguins
Florida at Nashville: Predators
Minnesota at Colorado: Avalanche
Edmonton at Vancouver: Canucks
Chicago at Los Angeles: Kings